Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life in Florence! Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., Colby-Sawyer College) for

AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I learned a lot (and not just in the classroom). I now feel more confident in my abilities to plan, travel, live for myself. I feel more independent than ever!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I wish we had reviewed after learning things, we seemed to move on daily and not review which made tests difficult. I also wish we had quizzes to check our progress.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrators are knowledgeable and very friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A lot of things broke in the house within the first month, such as door handles and lights. These things were never fixed even to this day. I loved how close we were to our classes however. The good thing was that we didn't need to buy dishes because they were all there, as well as some books, magazines, & towels.

* Food:

I ate a lot of delicious kebabs...make sure to try one here!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved making pizza, the cooking class, going to Sienna...I actually like all of the events I went to.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I didn't have any issues.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you plan before hand (before coming to Italy) trips you may like to take. Bringing more money is always better than accidentally being too short on it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

With people in shops. Yes. But they also spoke a decent amount of English.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The oppertunity to travel Italy as well as the rest of Europe.
  • The activities and events offered by AIFS.
* What could be improved?
  • The way things are taught in class and reviewed for tests.
  • The housing issues sould be adressed.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would urge everyone to study abroad at least once! Being abroad has made me reflect on myself,the world, and what I want out of life.